Reconstruction of the thumb tip using palmar neurovascular flaps

Clinical effects of resurfacing fingertip amputations in long fingers using homodigital dorsal neurofascial broaden pedicle island flaps

The use of homodigital dorsal neurofascial broaden pedicle island flaps (HDNBPIF) to treat fingertip amputations is an ongoing research topic. Here, we evaluated the clinical effects of resurfacing fingertip amputations in long fingers using HDNBPIF. Seventeen patients with 18 long fingers were treated with HDNBPIF from December 2018 to May 2021. Total active motion (TAM) scores, Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test, static 2PD test, visual analogue scale (VAS), Vancouver scar scales (VSS), and quick DASH scores were evaluated at 12-25 months postoperation. The aesthetic satisfaction of the patients was estimated subjectively using a 5-point Likert scale. The mean defect size was 1.11 × 1.13 cm and mean flap size was 1.32 × 1.32 cm. All flaps survived and the mean TAM of injured fingers was 255.6° (Contralateral side: 268.4°, p < 0.05). Mean SWM score in the flap was 3.90 g, and 3.22 g in the donor zone. Mean static 2PD discrimination in the flap was 5.61 mm and 4.33 mm in the donor zone. Mean quick Dash scores were 5.81 whereas Mean VAS score in the flap was 0.7 and 0.2 in the donor site. Vancouver scar scales at the donor and recipient sites ranged from 0 to 2. At the end of the follow-up, all patients reported good aesthetic appearance and curative effects. These results show that HDNBPIF is a promising strategy that achieves good curative effects and recovery of fingertip functions.Type of Study and Level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV.

The Promising Role of a Superb Microvascular Imaging Technique in the Evaluation of Raynaud's Syndrome in Systemic Sclerosis: Theory and Practical Challenges

In recent years, a novel Doppler ultrasonography (US) modality—superb microvascular imaging (SMI)—has been presented as a reliable method to evaluate small vessel blood flow with minimised motion artefacts. In this review, we present the challenges of incorporating SMI in daily practice with detailed and comparable US images of a fingertip. The main focus of this paper is the discussion of all tested US techniques, artefacts, and practical challenges for evaluating Raynaud’s syndrome in systemic sclerosis. Despite a few reports on SMI use in assessing nailfold capillaries, there is still a need for more evidence of its value and possibilities for its standardisation.

Long-term outcome of fingertip reconstruction with the homodigital neurovascular island flap

INTRODUCTION

Fingertip injuries are frequent and several surgical strategies exist to reconstruct the amputated part and restore function and appearance. Yet, long-term results are rarely published. The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term clinical outcome of neurovascular island flaps for traumatic fingertip amputation of Allen type III/IV injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed a cohort of patients with traumatic fingertip amputation that underwent reconstruction with a neurovascular island flap from January 2003 to December 2014. No mandatory splinting was applied after surgery. 28 participants (29 fingers) were available for follow-up at mean 8 years after reconstruction. Activities of daily living were measured with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire. Grip strength and finger motion were assessed using a Jamar dynamometer and a goniometer. Two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to evaluate sensory recovery.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications occurred and all flaps survived. Mean flap size was 4.7 ± 0.6 cm². Active motion of the fingers was over 95% of the contralateral side at follow-up. Three patients showed mild extension lag of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The grip strength of the affected hand and of each of the affected fingers was over 70% of the contralateral side. In comparison to the contralateral side we did not detect any significant difference for the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, but two-point discrimination (5.1 ± 1.7 mm) was significantly impaired. According to the Lim classification 1 of 14 nails with hook nail deformity showed grade 3 breaking of the nail. The DASH score was 16.0. All patients returned to their original occupation and patient satisfaction with the procedure was high.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk for disabling flexion contracture seems to be small even without mandatory splinting. Neurovascular island flaps for fingertip amputation of Allen type III/IV injuries are a reliable tool in fingertip reconstruction in the long term.

Management of partial fingertip amputation in adults: Operative and non operative treatment

BACKGROUND

Hand and finger injuries account for approximately 4.8 million visits to emergency departments each year. These injuries can cause a great deal of distress for both patients and providers and are often initially encountered in urgent care clinics, community hospitals, and level one trauma centers. Tip amputation injuries vary widely in mechanism, ranging from sharp lacerations to crush injuries that present with varying degrees of contamination. The severity of damage to soft tissue, bone, arteries and nerves is dependent upon the mechanism and guides treatment decision-making. The management algorithm can oftentimes be complex, as a wide variety of providers, including orthopedists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons and emergency physicians, may care for these injuries, depending on location and local culture. We review the common mechanisms for tip amputation and the optimal treatment in adults, based on the severity of the injury, degree of wound contamination, and the facilities available to the provider.

METHODS

Pubmed was searched using text words for articles related to management of fingertip injuries in adults. Bibliographies of matching articles were searched for additional relevant articles, which were then also reviewed. 107 articles were reviewed in total, and 61 were deemed relevant for inclusion. All clinical studies and reviews were included. Particular attention was paid to articles published within the past 15 years.

RESULTS

In the United States, up to 90% of fingertip amputations are treated with non-replant techniques. In comparison, the majority of amputations in Asian countries are replanted due to moral values and importance of body integrity. Tip amputation injuries can be managed with local debridement, complex reconstruction, or simply with irrigation and application of a sterile dressing.

CONCLUSION

In the United States, most fingertip amputations in adults are treated with non-replant techniques. However, the precise management of a fingertip injury in adults depends on the degree of injury itself, and a number of operative and non-operative techniques may be successfully employed.

Treatment of thumb soft-tissue defects using a bipedicle island flap of the index finger: anatomical basis and clinical application

PURPOSE

Reconstruction of the thumb with exposure of bone and tendon is challenging. We designed a bipedicle island flap from the dorsum of the index finger to repair thumb defects. One pedicle includes the radial proper palmar digital artery (PDA) of the index finger, another pedicle includes the first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA). The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application of this flap.

METHODS

Eleven fresh cadaver hands were dissected, the FDMA and the radial proper PDA were exposed. Their origin, distribution and diameter in different locations, especially in the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the index finger, were examined. Ten patients (11 hands) underwent thumb reconstruction using this flap. During follow-up, the flap survival and hand function were evaluated.

RESULTS

The origin of the FDMA in three cadaver hands was abnormal. The FDMA was mainly distributed in the proximal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. The radial proper PDA of the index finger formed one constant dorsal branch, mainly distributing in the middle and distal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. All flaps survived. At follow-up, the span of the first web and the range of motion of the thumbs and index fingers reached more than 94 % of the contralateral finger. All patients were satisfied with the hand function according to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

CONCLUSIONS

The bipedicle island flap has two arterial systems to provide sufficient blood supply. This technique provides another option for thumb reconstruction when a large supercharged FDMA island flap needs to be designed, or when there is an additional injury to the radial side of the dorsum of the hand or if there are anatomical variations of the FDMA, or if damage to the FDMA occurs during surgery.